August 16, 2023
In a new study, researchers found that over 150 bird species make use of anthropogenic or man-made materials such as twine and plastic bags to build their nests. Researchers believe that these materials could be both beneficial and harmful to birds. It was found that nicotine and other materials in cigarette butts act as a repellent to ectoparasites that feed on the blood of young birds, thus protecting the birds. Plastic film protects birds from the cold by providing insulation while firm man-made matter provides support to nests. On the flip side, man-made materials can be a threat as birds can mistake them for prey and consume them. Birds often get entangled in synthetic materials and colourful materials used in nests may attract predators to nests.
Did You Know?
Some birds like eagles may reuse the same nest for many years, adding new sticks and other materials to the nest.
